Well, we tried to get this done before any official announcements, but on Tuesday morning it was confirmed that Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy will be pros on Dancing With the Stars Season 24! Check out what we think of the other possibilities and see who else we think will get a shot at the coveted Mirrorball Trophy!
Lindsay Arnold
@dwtsdreams
As a result of Lindsay being a finalist in two of the last three seasons I definitely think she will be a pro this season. With her likable personality and hard work ethic what is there not to like? She is not afraid to try something new and is always okay with being thrown around. Lol. She works well with all of her partners and leverages their strengths to make inexperienced individuals into finalists. She always puts a smile on my face and I am so proud of how hard she was worked and how far she has gone at such a young age.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 95%
@TheBentleyNinja
Lindsay is not only, to me, a great choice to bring back on the show, but she is also a safe choice. You never really hear anything negative about Lindsay, and as far as I know, despite her not having the largest fanbase of the pros, she seems to have some of the least haters out of all of the pros. Lindsay is a star and she always works well with her partners, no matter what their personality is like. Dancing With the Stars would be foolish not to bring her back!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 95%
@juliadelbel
I agree with everything @dwtsdreams and @TheBentleyNinja said! Over the past few seasons Lindsay has quickly become one of the most popular female pros on Dancing With the Stars and it’s easy to see why! Her creative choreography, friendliness to everyone, and dedication she puts into her partnerships are just a few of the many reasons why she NEEDS to stay on the show! It’s clear production has grown to value her as a pro, and even with a new Executive Producer coming on board, I would be majorly surprised to see Lindsay not in the Season 24 line-up for any reason other than an injury or health issue.
Probability of being a Season 24 Pro: 99%
Mark Ballas
@dwtsdreams
Mark is a two time mirrorball champion with an incredible personality. He is one of the few pros that constantly is thinking outside of the box and challenging the stereotypes of dance. He is a creative genius and an insane choreographer. Although I would love to have him back I think it is highly unlikely that he will be a pro this season.
Probability of being a Season 24 pro: 40%
@TheBentleyNinja
I think we can all agree that Mark is one of the most creative and unique professional dancers on DWTS, but as far as him being in Season 24 of the show, he is a complete wildcard. It all really depends on his schedule. I know that his schedule has been quite hectic lately, but it seems as though he has been able to free up some space lately with Jersey Boys ending and all. Ultimately, I would love to see him come back this season, but I would understand if he didn’t.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 50%
@juliadelbel
Mark is one of the most famous and successful pros to ever be on DWTS, and I’m sure the show will always have a place for him as a pro if he wants it. He did 18 consecutive seasons as a pro (that’s NINE YEARS!) but last season he was off in New York performing on Broadway. His run in that show is over now, and it’s not yet clear on whether or not that was meant as a one-season break or a longer/more permanent departure. I know he is focusing a lot on his music career lately, but he has been able to balance both that and DWTS in the past, so I don’t think that would prevent him from doing it unless there is another big project going on that we don’t know about. A lot of people seem convinced he’s returning for this season, but I haven’t seen anything to indicate either way.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 45%
Alan Bersten
@TheBentleyNinja
Alan? Well I don’t really have too much of an opinion about him. To be honest, I love the troupe, but I don’t get to experience them like I do with the other dancers who compete for the Mirror Ball. He seems like a nice guy, but I have seen some mixed reviews about him. From what I’ve seen of him, he seems promising. But do I really think he will be a pro next season? I don’t think so. But I guess it would be refreshing to see him in the season 24 cast lineup!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 20%
@dwtsdreams
I have a completely different opinion on this than @thebentleyninja. I strongly believe that Alan deserves a pro spot this season. To be honest, I was surprised when he wasn't a pro last season because he is the perfect package. He has incredible energy and great technique. He loves to learn and is willing to do anything to be the best dancer he can be. He is constant improving his technique and performance ability. The Winter tour showed Alan’s ability to be a performer and star and I definitely think the show has taken that into account and have heard the fan’s pleads to make him a pro this season. We will see but I really hope he gets the opportunity!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 88%
@juliadelbel
Alan has never been a pro before, but he has been in the troupe for four seasons and has been known to help the pros teach their partners at times. He also seems to be a team player, which is an important aspect of being a pro. I think he will get a shot before the show ends but whether or not this is the season likely depends on if there is a spot left open. I really want to see him on the roster for the reasons I mentioned, but I know Mark and Tony will be prioritized above him if they want to come back, and I’m inclined to believe Keo might be as well. I’d prefer Alan of the two since he has spent more time in troupe, but I think if it comes down to them for the last spot Keo may have an edge for the sake of diversity in the line-up.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 30%
Sharna Burgess
@dwtsdreams
Sharna is always a safe pick as a pro because she is a fan favorite and many fans gravitate towards her “sweet yet sexy” personality. She is great with the camera and knows how to make people fall in love her partner and their partnership. I know some fans have acknowledged that she said she might take a break but I am not sure if it is going to happen this season. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to take time off and spend time with Peta and the baby and just spend time with her family and family and get some well deserved R & R. Although it does look like Peta is going to be back this season so if she is I definitely think Sharna would not miss the opportunity to dance and spend time with her best friend. I am not saying her Pro spot depends on what Peta is doing I just mean it might sway her choice. I think Sharna is a amazing addition to the cast and I don't think there's any major reason why she won't be a pro this season but we will see! (Disclaimer: I wrote this before it was announced that peta was a pro)
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 87%
@TheBentleyNinja
Sharna is always a good pick for the show. I think that there are quite a few fans who have been itching for a Sharna win for awhile now, and it looks like Season 24 can give her another shot. I know she said something about taking a break before, but I don’t think that means not being part of season 24. As far as I know, I don’t see any reason for her not being a pro next season, but maybe there’s something that’s going to happen that not even she knows about yet, like how she was almost not casted to be a pro in season 19.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 85%
@juliadelbel
I think Sharna is another fantastic pro! She is a great choreogrpaher and teacher and knows how to adapt her methods to best suit her partner. As @TheBentleyNinja said, Sharna was almost cut from the roster in Season 19 but I think the days where she has to worry about that are long gone. It is very, very obvious to me that Sharna is currently the most valued female pro in the eyes of production at this point because she’s gotten the best male contestant (well, on paper anyway) for several seasons in a row now. If the Usher rumor is true (very unlikely) I’d be shocked if he didn’t go to her. Basically, I’d be very surprised not to see her on this season.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 95%
Cheryl Burke
@dwtsdreams
I know some fans think Cheryl will be a pro this season but I think Cheryl has moved on. I think Cheryl loves the show and will always appreciate what it has done for her but it seems like she has graduated. To me Cheryl is a safe pick for some producers because she has been on the show for a long time and is a familiar face. Some people will argue and say she is from the “og” generation of pros and they are looking for new fresh faces so we will see!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 40%
@TheBentleyNinja
I personally think Cheryl’s choreography is usually on point with the occasional head-scratchers here and there, but I like her dancing style overall. I don’t think she is very popular among the die-hard DWTS fans, though, since I don’t ever really see her talked about. I’m guessing that the show is going to want someone who has not been on the show as long as her and bring in someone who is a bit more new, but who really knows under this new producer?
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 80%
@juliadelbel
Cheryl is one of the most recognizable and popular pros to ever appear on DWTS. The two-time Mirrorball champion made a return to the ballroom after a few seasons away, but will she come back for another spin on the dance floor? I haven’t heard much from her lately so it’s hard to tell. I know her contract is season-to-season now and keep hearing rumors about a US tour coming up so I’m slightly leaning towards her not returning for Season 24, but it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if she did.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 40%
Witney Carson
@dwtsdreams
Out of all the female pros, I would say that Witney is one of my least favorites She is a great dancer but there is something about her that doesn't drawn me to her like Sharna or Jenna. With that said I definitely think Witney will be a pro. Given that she is on the poster I don't think there is any reason why she won't be a pro. She has also already won giving her immunity and leverage over newer pros.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 90%
@TheBentleyNinja
While Witney isn’t exactly my favorite pro, I wouldn’t mind seeing her back on the show with a new type of partner to change things up. She doesn’t seem to want to leave the show any time soon, and I wouldn’t really expect her to. I know that her winning a Mirror Ball Trophy and having some pretty popular partners helps her in that expect, but does DWTS still see a spark in her?
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 90%
@juliadelbel
I’m inclined to believe Witney will be on this season. Since the new producers took over, it seems to be a rule that anyone in the finals the previous season gets a spot in the new season if they want it, and anyone with a Mirrorball Trophy gets to be on whenever they’d like. She is also on the poster for the new season. However, there is new management at DWTS so these possible rules may not be in effect anymore, and we’ve seen pros on the poster not end up getting a spot in the new season.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 90%
Artem Chigvintsev
@dwtsdreams
Artem is one of those pros that sometimes it lost in the shuffle. He is very underrated and I think he deserves a young capable partner. He needs to show America who he is as a person and dancer and make a lasting impression but so far he hasn’t made a big one yet. I would love to see Artem with a young girl or teen and maybe see him nurturing abilities. He is an incredible dancer, amazing teacher, and overall kind person and I really hope to see him on the lineup.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 79%
@TheBentleyNinja
Artem has not really had too many major stand-out personalities as his partners on Dancing With the Stars thus far, so I don’t really think he has made much of an impression yet. He always seems to be the last pro confirmed, and in season 21, it is known that he was cut from the pro lineup. So is he as big of a priority as some of the others? I don’t know. Do I still think they are going to cast him? Probably. If not as a pro, maybe as a part of the troupe. I think since a lot of pros are probably not going to be able to do it this season, Artem will.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 75%
@juliadelbel
It seems weird to me that the DWTS producers clamored to get Artem across the pond from Strictly Come Dancing and now, two and a half years later, still haven’t given him a true contender past his first season here in North America. In addition to this, he’s pretty quiet compared to the rest of the pros and I think that’s part of the reason he doesn’t seem to have made as big an impact on the show as a lot of them. I think the producers might be trying to mold Artem into the “new Tony” as the male pro who is often given older or more difficult partners, even though he doesn’t seem to be very well suited to this task for the most part. Artem doesn’t seem to be production’s top priority given he was taken off the roster for Season 21 after already being announced as a pro, but I think there will be enough spots for him to be back unless the new producers decide there are too many Eastern European male pros and want to change the roster up to promote diversity, but I don’t have any strong reason to believe that this will happen so I’m not too worried about him just yet.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 83%
Val Chmerkovskiy
@dwtsdreams
I would say in same ways Val is one of the faces of Dancing with the Stars. Everyone loves is sexy personality and him being the reigning mirror ball champion I don't see why Val would be a pro this season. He did say that he would love to take a break but with his brother and future sister in law back I think if given the opportunity there is no reason why he would say no. He was also on the poster so I think it is a given that he is a pro this season.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 94%
@TheBentleyNinja
I don’t see why a reigning Mirror Ball champion like Val wouldn’t be asked to return to the show, especially since he has never hinted to wanted to abandon it just yet. Val has had some real breakout partners, and he has worked well with them to get to the top. Val has been the most expected pro to return for me for a few seasons now.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 95%
@juliadelbel
Obviously Val is very popular and a two-time champion, so I am sure he will be invited back for Season 24. After pretty much every season/tour he claims he might take a break but he hasn’t thus far, and I don’t believe he’s going to now either.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 95%
Tony Dovolani
@dwtsdreams
To be honest, I don't really have an opinion on Tony. I think that because he doesn't have the largest fan base of all the pros he is not their biggest priority. He also is getting older and I know he has his family in New Jersey so at some point i think it is his time to go. He had a great run and I loved seeing him work with his partners but I think is time is over with.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 20%
@TheBentleyNinja
While I really want to see Tony back in his DWTS home, I do know that sometimes it is just someone’s time to go. He isn’t exactly a fan favorite, but I always enjoy seeing him working with his partners, especially his partners from later seasons. I know that at 43 years old, Tony isn’t exactly going to be able to do all the things that he was able to do in season 2, but maybe they can give him another older partner. I don’t know if Tony wants to come back or not, but if he does, I wonder if DWTS is ready to move on with him or not.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 45%
@juliadelbel
Tony has 21 seasons of DWTS under his belt, the most of any pro to ever appear on the show! I know he’s had a lot going on with family lately and is working on other projects. Maybe he will return to the show one day, but I’d be surprised if he were back for this season because he still seems quite busy with his life on the opposite coast.
Probability of being a Season 24 Pro: 30%
Sasha Farber
@dwtsdreams
With Sasha’s likable personality and prankster attitude what is there not to like? He is an incredible choreographer and knows how to stage dances very well. His dances always involve the troupe in someway and he is very strategic on how to stage everything. He loves to play pranks and always puts a smile on my face. He creates such dynamic routines and continues to push boundaries.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 95%
@TheBentleyNinja
Honestly, who doesn’t love Sasha?! He is so smart when it comes to shaping performances for his partners, and that was really exemplified last season with Terra. Just like with Lindsay, the show would be making a poor decision to let go of Sasha. He creates such diverse routines and cater them specifically for whoever he dances with!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 90%
@juliadelbel
There is no other pro on DWTS quite like Sasha! He is a lot of fun and brings a lot of energy to the show! I also agree with Bentley that he is very smart, probably moreso than a lot of people give him credit for. I think his refreshing vibe and growing popularity-particularly after last season-will get him a spot on Season 24, especially if this is the first season without one or both of Derek or Mark since Season 4 (aka TEN YEARS AGO!) and like them, Sasha has a great sense of fun. sensitivity, and creativity.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 90%
Allison Holker
@Dwtsdreams
Allison is one of my favorite choreographers because her dances are brilliant & so unique. In a way she reminds me of Mark because she continues to push the creative boundaries and always tries to create dances outside of her comfort zone. I do think that out of all the pros Allison is the outsider and doesn't have those tight connections like other pros. She also hasn't gone on any tours so she is a little removed from all the other pros. With that said I love her so much and I would be so happy to see her back. She is a kick ass mom and woman and such an amazing role model.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 85%
@TheBentleyNinja
Allison seems truly dedicated the show. She came back right away after having her baby, and she still gave it all she had. I know that when it comes to Allison, people either love her or just think she’s okay, but I always see tons of love for her on social media! I don’t think the show wants to get rid of her this season, but honestly, who knows? I think she really mixes things up, and I want to see her with a new type of partner!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 85%
@juliadelbel
Allison is an interesting case because she was brought on as a pro out-of-the-blue the last time DWTS got a new Executive Producer without doing troupe or being a specialized ballroom dancer. She is very nice and caring for her partners but seems to have trouble toning down her energy to “match” the less capable celebrities. Her choreography is very fun and I believe she has even been nominated for an Emmy at some point in her career! Production seems to value her but with the new Executive Producer that could change. There’s nothing to strongly indicate she won’t be on Season 24 but for some reason I have a feeling she could be one of the pros “on the bubble” this season. We’ll see how things turn out.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 80%
Jenna Johnson
@dwtsdreams
Although Jenna has only been a pro for one season her time on the troupe and her likable personality has made her a fan favorite. On the “ We Came To Dance Tour” which just wrapped up Jenna was highly featured with many duets and other dances. Fans enjoy talking to her and getting to know her authentic story with her blog. She has made a great platform for herself which has helped her gained many die hard fans who campaign for her thoroughly. Not to mention she is incredible at Latin and her technique is impeccable so I don't see why she won't snag a pro spot. She proved to America that she deserves to be a pro again throughout her seasons on DWTS and I definitely think we will see that happen. The only reason why she would not be a pro is if a OG possibly came back or a pro with more seasons under her belt needed a spot.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 80%
@TheBentleyNinja
I really don’t know too much about what Jenna has to offer as a pro since we’ve only seen her about five seconds as a season 23 pro, despite all of her time being in the troupe. But I do think that Dancing With the Stars should take another chance on her because she does seem to have tons of potential! Apparently people loved her on So You Think You Can Dance!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 65%
@juliadelbel
Jenna is a very hardworking pro and has been on the show for awhile now, but only just became a pro last season due to an overstuffed female line-up. This season there are even less spots than in Season 23, and it seems that a lot of first-time pros who do not go far in the competition are part of the troupe the following season. Since Jenna was first out last season I think there’s a good chance this will happen to her unless a few of the Season 23 women do not return or if she is requested as a partner by a celebrity. (I’ve also noticed there seems to be a lot of blonde female pros in the rumor mill for Season 24, so if the show wants more diversity in that sense Jenna may get a spot since she just dyed her hair black! Lol.) What may work in her favor is the fact that she did a good job filling in as a partner for James when Sharna was hurt, but the last time this happened (back in Season 20 when Sasha stepped in for Derek) the stand-in was in troupe the next season so I’m not sure how much weight that holds. I do think it is very likely that Jenna will get another chance at being a pro at some point, but this may not end up being the season.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 45%
Keo Motsepe
@TheBentleyNinja
I’m actually wondering if Keo will ever be back as more than just a troupe member on DWTS. I mean, even in the four seasons he was a pro, he was only able to get past week three once. And because of that, he just doesn’t have as big of a following as some of the other pros. Keo seems like a really sweet person, which is one of the reasons why I would like to see him on that dance floor, but he seems content being in the troupe. Maybe he’ll come back, though. If the new executive producer on the show wants to bring him back as some kind of underdog story, maybe. But I don’t know. It wouldn’t be too surprising if he was brought back, though.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 40%
@juliadelbel
In regards to what Bentley said, I do think we’ll probably see Keo as a pro again at some point (I think DWTS will last at least three more seasons including this one) but it’s kind of hard to say if this will be the one. Under the previous Executive Producer he was brought on out-of-the-blue as a pro without doing troupe, was an early out for his first three seasons and was still brought back each time, then was sent to troupe after finally getting somewhere his fourth season. I kinda think he might have been put in troupe because of an overstuffed male pro line-up, and if that’s the case we’ll probably see him back this season if Mark and Tony aren’t on. But as I said earlier, I’m wondering if they might give the opportunity to Alan, who has spent much more time in the troupe. I kinda think they’d choose Keo but I’m not entirely sure.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 40%
@dwtsdreams
I agree with Bentley and Julia at some point in time I definitely think we will see Keo as a pro but I think it is highly unlikely that it will be this season. With the edition of Maks that only leaves 5 pro spots left and there are other pros that have higher priority than Keo. When Keo is a pro I feel like I doesn't get to show who he really is and reach his full potential. I hope in the future he will get a pro spot but I don't think that is this season!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 40%
Gleb Savchenko
@TheBentleyNinja
I really like what @juliadelbel had to say last season about how DWTS likes to bring in a “throwback pro” so the audience can see them for five minutes and then they are never seen again. It is so true! But for some reason, I don’t think Gleb will be kicked to the curb like the other throwbacks, especially because of all the advertising about him returning last season as well as how far he made it with Jana. I want to see more of what Gleb is like because I feel like I don’t know him as well as some of the other dancers, but I do know that he is able to make any dance really sexual!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 60%
@juliadelbel
I don’t see Gleb as the type of “throwback pro” we’ve often been getting lately. That was more of the role Cheryl and Maks played (well I guess maybe not Maks since he’s back again for Season 24!). His situation is more like Artem’s, where they saw he was popular on SCD in the UK and hoped to recreate that magic in America. (I know Gleb was originally on DWTS before Strictly but I don’t think they’d have ever brought him back had he not been a big hit over there.) As such, I think the producers are interested in making him a more permanent part of the show. As I said with Artem, if they want to cut some of the Eastern European guys for the sake of diversity Gleb might be on the chopping block, but since at this point they seem more interested in “making him happen” than they do Artem I think Gleb might edge him out if it comes down to those two for a pro spot.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 85%
@dwtsdreams
I agree with Julia I don't see Gleb as a throwback pro I see him as more of an international pro. Him being on Strictly has allowed him to open his fan base in multiple countries which has aided him in obtaining a large fan base. He seems like he will be staying for a while and the producers want to make him a permanent pro. I have no problem with that because I love him. He makes me smile ear to ear. He is an incredible dancer, great teacher and choreographer and I would love to see him as a pro for more seasons!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 90%
Emma Slater
@TheBentleyNinja
Poor Emma always seems like she is the last one to be picked each season. I am just waiting for her long-awaited breakout season where she will finally bring all that she has to offer with a partner who can compliment her dancing style. I think that the show realizes this, and they might just jump on the chance to give her the comeback story we’ve all been waiting for! And it’s kinda sad because we’ve seen Emma as a pro on this show for six seasons, and we still haven’t seen her get a chance to really wow us with a star-studded routine. I’ve been waiting for this for years!
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 70%
@juliadelbel
I’m also hoping Emma will return with a good partner, but I’m worried because they almost cut her in Season 21, actually cut her in Season 22, and almost didn’t bring her back in Season 23. Like Artem, she seems to be cast in the role of “partner to the older contestants” but she’s been more successful at avoiding slipping through the cracks despite this because of her outgoing personality and fun dynamic with her partners. With this show’s obsession with romance, I was thinking that live proposal last season might keep her around (though it should be her skills and talents) but now that we have both Peta and Maks back and they seem to be taking up the role as the “cast couple” that might not matter as much now. But yeah, for some reason production hasn’t considered Emma as important as most of the other ladies as of late. Will this change under new management? Possibly, but I still see several other being prioritized above her for now.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 65%
@dwtsdreams
If you are a dancing with the Stars fan even the littlest bit I bet you know Emma. I feel like Emma’s popularity doesn't add up to the jobs she gets on the show. She is constantly that girl pro that is last picked and given the old partners. I want to see her get a capable partner and getting what she deserves.
Probability of Being a Season 24 Pro: 70%
Other Potential Pros
@TheBentleyNinja
This is a random one, but what about Anna Trebunskaya? She is one of my favorite dancers, and unfortunately, she left a while ago and only came back for a glimpse in season 21. I want to see her back, but that seems highly unlikely. Like five percent unlikely.
@juliadelbel
I heard Lacey Schwimmer almost came back last season but didn’t, so she’s on my radar for this one, even if it seems unlikely she’ll return.
Thanks to everyone for reading! We are still taking questions for our “Meet the Bloggers” post (and we don’t have very many yet, so please send some more our way!) and I’m also keeping the pro survey open until tonight, so please share and fill it out if you haven’t yet!
See you soon!
